Abandoned vehicles

Is the vehicle taxed?

First check if the vehicle is taxed. This can be done by checking on the DVLA website

• Check vehicle’ tax status

If the vehicle is untaxed and parked on public road report it to the DVLA

• Report an untaxed vehicle

If the vehicle is taxed, it would NOT usually be considered to be abandoned.

If the vehicle is SORN

If vehicle has been registered as off the road (SORN) the vehicle should not be left on the public road.

• Check if vehicle is SORN

If the vehicle is SORN and parked on the public highway it should be reported to DVLA as the only authority with the powers to remove.

If the vehicle is untaxed

The DVLA is the only authority with the powers to remove untaxed vehicles from the public highway.

We cannot remove a vehicle just because it is untaxed. Vehicles in reasonable condition but untaxed or declared SORN (Statutory Off Road Notification) and parked on a public highway can be reported to the DVLA for action by them.

Once you have checked all of the above, you can report on GOV.UK.

• Report an untaxed/SORN vehicle to DVLA

Taxed vehicles

If the vehicle is taxed but appears to have been involved in Road Traffic Accident/collision, it would NOT generally be considered to be abandoned. This can be reported to the police on 101.

No MOT

You can only report vehicle with no MOT to the police if it is being used on road

You need the vehicle’

• number plate (registration number)
• make and model
• colour
• location
• Report car with no MOT to the police

Report an abandoned vehicle - using our online map